Saturday, May 31, 2008

What's ahead for the Spurs this off-season?

With the Spurs bowing out to the Lakers, San Antonio will begin analyzing its roster. Who stays? Who goes? Here's a quick review:

Damon Stoudamire saw little time. During the last half of the season, SA could have used his roster spot for a promising young NBDL player.

Robert Horry would make a great player development guys who could help mentor younger players. His 15 years on the floor is enough. It's been a great career.

There are a bunch of tougher decisions. Finley still has some game left, but is on the back side of his career.

Barry has great range and is a good passer. But he has 12 years of NBA play on his legs.

Bonner's not an athlete, but he's a good guy who works hard and who understands his role.

Like Bonner, Vaughn is a great guy. He's smart and will make a good coach in the future. Jacque is a guy you want in your locker room. He defends well and can run a team, but his shot-range is limited and is still an offensive liability.

That leaves Oberto, Bowen, and Mahinmi. Oberto is a young, aggressive player who doesn't need the ball; he gets his points from garbage. I think he's better-suited as a back-up power forward to supply energy off the bench.

At 37, Bowen is still a valuable defender and reliable spot up shooter, and Mahinmi is a young player with height who is worth spending some time to develop.